51. Miss Wardasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement on the application of equal pay for equal work to women in the Civil Service.
§ Mr. GaitskellI have nothing to add to the answer I gave the hon. Member on 23rd January, 1951.
Miss WardIn view of the fact that the rate for the job is now paid in Government service over a very wide field, will the right hon. Gentleman remember the necessity for applying fair shares for all when the final decision is made?
§ Mr. GaitskellI will take everything into account.
52. Miss Wardasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what grounds it was decided to restrict the payment of the men's rate to women in the Civil Service so as to cover only one woman holding the senior position in a major Department while excluding a woman holding a 1293 similar position in a Department not so graded; whether he is aware that this decision is regarded as unfair discrimination; and whether he will consider adopting the principle of equal pay so as to cover all women in Government service and not merely a favoured section.
§ Mr. GaitskellI cannot agree that this decision, the reasons for which I have explained to the hon. Lady, is regarded as unfair. As to the last part of the Question, I have nothing to add to my former answer on this subject.
Miss WardIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a growing feeling of anger among civil servants at the right hon. Gentleman's attitude against paying competent women civil servants the rate for the job, and will he please bear that in mind?
§ Mr. GaitskellI think the hon. Lady slightly exaggerates the feeling on this subject.